Changchun community leader gets natl honor

When Wu Yaqin first arrived at Changshan Garden Community in Changchun, Jilin province, in 1995, locals called the place "Yangjiawaizi" — a name that evoked muddy roads, dusty air and deep neglect. Residents often joked that the word "garden" in the community's official name was a cruel irony.

More than three decades later, the once-run-down neighborhood has been transformed into a genuine haven, earning Wu national recognition for her work.

On July 1, at a ceremony in Beijing's Great Hall of the People marking the Communist Party of China's 105th anniversary, Wu, now 66, received the July 1 Medal, the Party's highest honor for exemplary members. The award reflects a philosophy that has guided her work for decades.

"There are no bad residents, only inadequate service," she said. "Community workers should be like a flame, warming people's hearts."

That simple creed has evolved into a nationally recognized model for community governance. Wu's practical handbooks — including a step-by-step conflict resolution system — are now used to train community workers across the country, and nearly 30,000 officials have completed courses she helped develop.

Yet, her path to national prominence began under difficult circumstances. Wu took the job in 1995 after leaving a State-owned enterprise. The community, built in 1987 as housing for factory workers, had fallen into decline after the factory closed and funding had dried up. Roads were in disrepair, garbage accumulated, disputes were common and unemployment was widespread.

Despite having little money, Wu rallied residents to collect wastepaper and plastic bottles, sell them and used the proceeds to buy bricks and stones to repair roads. They also purchased seeds and planted trees and flowers themselves.

Longtime resident Wu Zongji still remembers those early days.

"It was mud when it rained and dust when it was sunny. Gas wasn't connected, and many people were out of work. No young woman wanted to marry into this place," he said.

That description bears little resemblance to the community today. The neighborhood now features paved roads, tidy gardens and well-maintained residential buildings, with no unauthorized posters or flyers in sight. The community office opens before 7 am each day, allowing commuters to handle paperwork before work while providing older residents with a place to gather and chat.

On any given morning, residents arrive seeking help with pension payments, suspicious phone messages or other daily concerns. Some even bring freshly steamed buns for Wu to taste.

"If you treat their problems as you would your own parents' or siblings' problems, they will naturally treat you as family and trust you completely," Wu said.

She has translated that philosophy into a series of practical improvements. Wu helped bring a bank branch into the community service center so older residents can withdraw cash and pay bills close to home. She launched a campaign to install gas alarms in more than 1,000 households to improve safety.

She also established youth programs, including tutoring and scholarship initiatives, that have benefited more than 400 young people. In addition, she created a will-writing service that now safeguards the final wishes of more than 200 elderly residents.

A delegate to the past two consecutive National Congress of the CPC, Wu has delivered nearly 100 lectures at factories, residential communities and social organizations, explaining government policies in plain language so people can better understand the benefits available to them.

Even after three decades on the front lines, Wu has no plans to slow down. "I can do another 30 years," she said.

lilei@chinadaily.com.cn